Parentheses first, then × and ÷, then + and −.
Order of Operations teaches fifth graders to evaluate expressions with parentheses, brackets and all four operations in the right order, and to write expressions from words. A key step from arithmetic toward algebra.
Math course · Grade 5
Order of Operations · Learning goals
Evaluate expressions with parentheses, brackets and all four operations in the right order, and write expressions from words.
Why it matters
The order of operations makes sure everyone gets the same answer to the same expression.
Writing and evaluating expressions is the first step toward the equations kids solve in grade 6.
Calculators, spreadsheets and code all follow these rules, so kids need to know them too.
Inside Order of Operations
A short read-aloud lesson first, then hands-on games and a quiz to lock it in.
Step 1 · Lesson
A short read-aloud lesson in 4 steps, with pictures and worked examples.
Step 2 · Game
Solve inside the parentheses first. (6 problems)
Step 3 · Game
Multiply and divide first. (6 problems)
Step 4 · Game
Use the full order of operations. (6 problems)
Step 5 · Game
Turn the words into math and solve. (5 problems)
Lesson preview
This is the real lesson text your child hears, read aloud by a friendly voice.
Do the work inside parentheses first: (3 + 4) × 2 = 7 × 2 = 14.
Next, multiply and divide from left to right, then add and subtract: 3 + 4 × 2 = 3 + 8 = 11.
Parentheses change the answer! Compare (3 + 4) × 2 = 14 with 3 + 4 × 2 = 11.
Words become expressions: add 8 and 7, then multiply by 2 is (8 + 7) × 2.
For parents
Learning sticks best when kids use it in real life. Here are simple ideas from this course.
Write an expression like 3 + 4 × 2 and ask your child and another family member to solve it separately. Talk about why the answer is 11, not 14.
Practice
Real questions from Order of Operations. Try them with your child, then tap to see the answer.
Question 1
5
Question 2
13
Question 3
33
The full course has 23 questions with instant feedback, stars and rewards. Create a free account to play them all.
Order of Operations · Questions from parents
Order of Operations is a grade 5 math course for kids ages 10–11. That is Year 6 maths in the UK and Year 5 in Australia. It also works well for review in the next grade, or as a challenge for a confident younger learner.
Evaluate expressions with parentheses, brackets and all four operations in the right order, and write expressions from words. Along the way they practice: Parentheses First; × and ÷ Before + and −; Mixed Expressions; Words to Numbers.
About 10 minutes in total, split into 4 short levels. Most kids finish it over two or three sessions. Progress is saved, so they can stop any time and pick up where they left off.
Order of Operations is part of SkillBloom Premium, which unlocks every course in every subject. Each subject also has free courses, so your child can try SkillBloom before you decide.
No. Every lesson has a friendly read-aloud voice, questions are read aloud too, and the pictures help kids follow along. Confident readers can turn the voice off.
Yes. SkillBloom is built for homeschooling families. Kids work through lessons, games and quizzes on their own, and the parent dashboard shows what they finished and which skills need more practice. It works on phones, tablets and laptops.
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